How It Works

An inspiring programme giving students the journalistic tools to think critically and confidently about the news. Join our News Literacy programme for 14-16- year olds and you'll receive 4 FREE lessons for your class, created and curated by top editors and journalists from The Times & The Sunday Times.

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What does the programme cover?

The Times and Sunday Times News Literacy programme is a four-lesson course teaching students to think critically when reading the news. Students will learn - by following in the footsteps of real journalists and editors - how to source and critique news, verify facts and question everything and stay well-informed in the digital world.

  • The importance of journalism
  • Sourcing and critiquing news
  • Using real-world examples

What lessons are included?

Introduction to News Literacy

  • Understand how to read the news
  • Develop skills in who and what to trust
  • Spot the difference between fake and fact
  View details and download lesson packs

What is news?

  • Develop questioning skills
  • Develop skills in who and what to trust
  View details and download lesson packs

News and Opinion

  • Learn the difference between news and opinion writing
  • Develop persuasive arguments
  View details and download lesson packs

Your News

  • Learn to think critically about news sources
  • Question the role of social media in news discovery
  • Learn the pros and cons of news and social media
  • Learn the role of social media in news discovery
  View details and download lesson packs

Topical Lessons

Covid-19: The role of experts in the news

  • Learn how to spot Covid-19 conspiracy theories and fake posts
  • Understand how to question and think critically about coverage and experts used in the news
  View details and download lesson packs
'Increasing media literacy is key in the fight against fake news and disinformation. I commend The Times and The Sunday Times on the work they are doing to educate young people on these important issues.' Damian Collins, previously Chair, Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee
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'Before I used to think if someone said it was news, it was real. Now, I question it and ask if it is fake, real or even satire. I use the journalists questions from the programme, like ‘who is making the claim', 'what claims are they making' and 'how can you double check.' Student, Folkestone Academy
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'The Times and Sunday Times News Literacy Programme resources have really helped bring my lessons to life. The diversity of articles provided means there is something of interest to every pupil.’ Jason Smith, Teacher East London Science School
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“The whole of Year 10, about 120 pupils, are participating in the news literacy programme. It's been great doing it as part of the English lessons as all of the articles relate to their English language GCSE papers." Lisa Reynolds, Teacher Marsh Academy
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"The Times and Sunday Times News Literacy Programme is great. The variety of genuine news stories have engaged the students and sparked conversations about how they read, verify and share news." Catherine Davies, Teacher Salford College
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"It’s vital that young people are confident, critical thinkers when navigating the news online. Our programme will teach students to think like a journalist, to ask the right questions and verify the facts." John Witherow, Editor, The Times
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Queries?

If you are a teacher, parent, governor or simply interested in the News Literacy Programme, get in touch below.

Contact News Academy

Learn more about News Academy

Our mission at the News Academy is to invest in the future of journalism, to help and inspire the next generation of those who might one day work in our industry.

Visit the News Academy website